So, Apple has simply launched the subsequent main model of its iPhone working system, known as iOS 26. In case you have an iPhone mannequin newer than the XS, you may replace to iOS 26 without spending a dime proper now.
However the earlier model variety of iOS was iOS 18. So what occurred to iOS 19? Why did Apple bounce to 26?
The easy cause is that OS model numbers are based mostly on advertising quite than exhausting science, and Apple can identify its platforms no matter it desires.
Apple has taken this chance to align the iPhone working system model quantity with the present calendar yr. However isn’t the present yr 2025, and 2026 is subsequent yr? Sure, however the lifetime of the brand new OS will principally reside in 2026.
iOS 26 would be the present working system right through to September 2026, once we assume iOS 27 will probably be prepared. However which means for 9 out of the twelve months of iOS 26’s lifespan, it is going to be the 2026 working system.
So, that’s the reason Apple has determined to quantity iOS after the digits of the coming yr, quite than the present yr. For consistency, the corporate can be transferring all of its different platforms to the 26 numbering scheme as effectively. This implies they’re now are aligned:
- iOS 19 -> iOS 26
- iPadOS 19 -> iPadOS 26
- watchOS 11 -> watchOS 26
- macOS 15 -> macOS 26
- visionOS 3 -> visionOS 26
- tvOS 19 -> tvOS 26
That actually makes it simpler to maintain every part straight in your reminiscence, and it’s merely much less complicated for purchasers. All updates to the present OS variations will probably be within the type of 26.x, till the subsequent main launch set to be introduced subsequent June, as iOS 27.
Nevertheless, the corporate has elected to not change the numbering scheme of its {hardware}. It’s iPhone 17, not iPhone 26. That is most likely as a result of whereas software program updates are free and prospects can improve annually, Apple will promote the iPhone 17 in shops for a number of years. This makes numbering-by-year much less compelling as a advertising tactic.
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.
